„Ark ZOO“
Species conservation in zoological gardens

Zoos, zoological gardens, wildlife parks and similar institutions not only showcase the diversity of the animal world, but also endeavour to protect rare animal species from extinction. This is achieved either through national and international species protection programmes (ex-situ) or through protection in the native habitats in the form of financial aid, technical or logistical support (in-situ). Here, for example, the 1st species aid programme of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (2002) should be mentioned, the protection of the only turtle species native to Germany, the European pond turtle. Zoos work closely with national and international agencies and organisations on such projects. However, measures such as those taken by the zoo in Wolgast, with the creation of amphibian spawning waters, deadwood hedges, the maintenance and monitoring of habitat trees and much more, are also part of the nature and species conservation efforts of the global zoo community.

In addition to the zoological institutions, nature-loving private individuals, associations and other organisations have always been committed to the protection of animal and plant species. In recent years, such activities have become increasingly networked. For example, there is the citizen conservation programme in which zoological institutions, private individuals and institutes work closely together to protect species. In Europe, the „European Endangered Species Programme“ (EEP) is one of the largest and most effective ex-situ conservation programmes.

Animal and plant species are quickly endangered or even disappear due to profit-orientated, indifferent or simply thoughtless actions by humans, and other risks such as climate change are currently being added. On bad days for our planet, more animal and plant species will surely die out forever, than all the conservation efforts to date have been able to save. But should we give up because of this? Should we comply when some politicians and business leaders sometimes demand „let the species die out with dignity!”? We – the staff at Wolgast Zoo – don’t see it that way, we would be sad if, for example, the Californian condor, the Indian armoured rhinoceros or the charismatic fire salamander no longer existed!

To date, the zoo world has saved over 50 animal species from certain extinction! And we will continue!

If you now look through the small windows in this house, dear guests, you will see examples of some of the species that have been saved. We hope you feel the same as we do – you would be sad if these species no longer existed! Then rejoice with us that we have been able to save at least these species from disappearing thanks to your visit to our park.